Truly Fateful Speed

On Feb. 6, 1951, a commuter train from New York City went over a temporary trestle in Woodbridge, N.J.. Instead of traveling at the speed limit of 25 mph, investigators claimed the train was going 50 mph. The trestle collapsed and 85 people were killed.

That accident happened 10 months before I was born. My father was on train immediately behind the one that caused the accident. If he hadn't had to work late that day and had been on the earlier train, I might not be here right now.

When I saw the reports of the recent Amtrak accident that said the train was going over twice the posted speed, I had a horrible sense of deja vu. It wasn't the first time too much speed has caused a tragedy. Sadly, it may not be the last.